Khon Kaen University (KKU) leadership met with the new Consul General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to discuss strengthening educational and cultural cooperation between the university and institutions in Vietnam.
The meeting took place on October 20, 2026, at the Sirikunakorn Building on the KKU campus. University President Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, along with Vice President for International Affairs Dr. Nawarat Wara-aswapati and other university officials, welcomed Mr. Đinh Hoàng Linh, the Consul General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen. The visit served as an introductory courtesy call and a forum to explore future collaborations, including student exchanges and joint academic projects with leading Vietnamese universities.
President Charnchai stated that KKU is committed to expanding its partnerships within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), particularly in education, economics, and culture. He noted a consistent interest from Vietnamese students in pursuing studies at KKU, especially in health sciences programs within the Faculty of Medicine.
To date, KKU has provided GMS Scholarships to 109 Vietnamese students. The university also maintains ongoing academic and student exchange programs to foster mutual understanding and build sustainable networks.
Consul General Đinh Hoàng Linh expressed his honor in meeting the university’s executive team and highlighted the continuously developing educational relationship between the two nations. He noted that Thailand and Vietnam share a strong bond across many areas, which will be celebrated in 2026 with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This relationship has been officially elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” based on three pillars: sustainable peace, sustainable growth, and a sustainable future.
Looking ahead, the Consul General outlined several potential joint projects between the consulate and KKU. These include educational events, workshops on Thai and Vietnamese language and culture, collaborative arts and performance activities, and a faculty exchange program for Thai and Vietnamese language instructors.
Mr. Đinh Hoàng Linh praised Khon Kaen University for its strong reputation among Vietnamese students and affirmed his commitment to supporting ongoing collaborations to further enhance the educational and cultural friendship between Thailand and Vietnam.
